The Silmarillion

By J. R. R. Tolkien

Description

A number-one New York Times bestseller when it was originally published, THE SILMARILLION is the core of J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative writing, a work whose origins stretch back to a time long before THE HOBBIT. Tolkien considered THE SILMARILLION his most important work, and, though it was published last and posthumously, this great collection of tales and legends clearly sets the stage for all his other writing. The story of the creation of the world and of the the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in THE LORD OF THE RINGS look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. THE SILMARILLION is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy. This second edition features a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien describing his intentions for the book, which serves as a brilliant exposition of his conception of the earlier Ages of Middle-earth.

Reviews

One of the greatest works of high fantasy of all time

5

By EJKWISC

My favorite book

This ebook version omits genealogies and maps!

2

By Jrrmmmm

Saddened (but maybe not surprised) that this e-book version of the Silmarillion from iBooks does not include the genealogy tables nor the map included with the paper copy that I possess (first American edition).

History

5

By Dwardeng

This is the history of Middle Earth up to The Hobbit. I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book as much as reading TLOTR trilogy itself. I disagree with others that reading this before The Hobbit or TLOTR would be confusing. It would be a good way to educate yourself regarding Middle Earth before reading those books. That being said, I read The Silmarillion last like most. I think either way would work.

Best book ever written

5

By silmarilln

Enough said

Beautiful, complicated, and ultimately one of the best works I've ever read, and keep rereading.

5

By Thunderchylde

I don't believe I can accurately give this book a review it deserves as I am no literary genius or scholar. I just wish I had read the works contained in it when I was younger, instead of reading only "The Hobbit". This book is a remnant of a time I feel I've only journeyed in when I was young and the world seemed so large and mysterious. When my mind knew there was something fantastic just a little further into the woods or over the other side of the stream. It contains stories and ideas my young imagination would have easily fed off of, had I the higher brain function to perceive it all to the degree I do now in mid-life. This book is complicated and I have now read it through twice and will probably do so again, just so I can try to understand as much of it as possible. This "origin story" and fairy tale really is, in my opinion, the definitive fantasy tale of human kind I know to exist. If you are interested in Tolkien and his more popular stories, and have the patience to refer to the indexes and pronunciation, you will be handsomely rewarded while reading it and gain a deeper love for the world he has created. A world and fantasy that endures to this day.

Missing Map

5

By Hawktale

I'd like to buy this, though another reviewer stated that it was missing the maps. If this is the case, I don't want to buy it. Does anyone know if it's still missing? Why would they publish it without? Thanks.

An in-depth account of the Genesis of Arda.

5

By EluThingol1225

Tolkien's unparalleled style of writing has brought readers into his world, as well as their own. Delved deep within imagination, the author brought to life beings of great wonder and utmost terror. With his words we experience anger, jealousy, sorrow, joy, grief, love, etc., but most fundamentally, the simple appreciation of what we have around us. Highly recommend this book to readers of all genre.

Excellent

5

By darielchang

+++++

The Slmarillion

5

By c3230

An amazing book!!

IT IS MISSING THE MAPS!!!

5

By Tolkienfan999

One of the greatest books ever written. The maps are an integral part of the story and the publisher just goofed BIG TIME!!! Where are the maps?